How to Choose the Right Auto Body Shop

As a car owner, the chances of you needing the services of a collision repair and refinishing facility are higher than you think. Whether it's from storm damage, rust and corrosion, acid rain and harsh sunlight, or a car accident outright, the risks are real. It's wise, then, to know just how to pick an auto body shop.

Oftentimes when people are taking part in an accident they think "the insurance company will deal with it for me.'' In fact, it's your duty to choose who'll do the repairs for you. This is not a choice that should be taken lightly, because it can involve protecting a significant investment. That is why Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center has put together this list of tips for you as you determine which auto body shop can fulfill your needs. They have years of expertise handling all kinds of vehicles in Maryville, Collinsville, Highland, Glen Carbon, and Troy, Illinois.

Preliminaries

• Start looking for an auto body shop before you need one; you can make better decisions when you are not rushed or in a panic.
• Ask your friends and associates for their recommendations. Even in this modern era, old-fashioned word-of-mouth reputation continues to be valuable.
• Check with the local consumer organization regarding the reputation of the facility in question. Ask about how many complaints were lodged against them, if any, and determine how the complaints were resolved.
• Always try to go to the auto body shop before making the decision on who'll repair your automobile.

At the Shop

• Ask if the auto body shop generally handles your vehicle make and model. Ask just how long the auto body shop has been in business.
• Choose a neat, well-organized facility with modern equipment. Many vehicle manufacturers suggest specific auto body repair procedures and equipment for the repair of their vehicles. Guarantee that the facility you choose is competent in these techniques and has the proper equipment.
• Professionally run facilities will have a courteous, helpful staff prepared to answer all your questions.
• Try to find signs of professionalism in the customer service area: civic and community service awards, membership in the Better Business Bureau, customer service awards.
• More often than not you can easily see the cars being fixed by the auto body shop. Are you impressed by the kind of automobiles the company is fixing and how the vehicles are being taken care of?
• Also look for indications that the staff is technically competent, like trade school diplomas, certification of advanced course work training from I-CAR.
• All policies, guarantees, and methods of payment should be posted or discussed to your satisfaction.

Being watchful and observant when you go to an auto body shop can tell you a lot about what to expect from your auto body repair. If you would like an estimate or have questions regarding auto body repair, please contact Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, Illinois.